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Today, Post Child will release their second album, called Wax Wings. It was recorded by Joe Gac, (Meat Wave) and is available courtesy of In the Lake Records. The band’s lineup is comprised of singer Bryan Alvarez, guitarist Jared Olson, bassist Justin Gutierrez and drummer Mustafa Daka. Post Child’s members have also lent their talents to bands such as Elephant Gun, High Priests and The Brokedowns. Tonight, they’ll celebrate the record’s release with a free show at Emporium Arcade that also features Closed Mouths and Sonny Falls. Check out a stream of the full album below and for those attending the show, be sure to grab Wax Wings on limited edition cassette, (50 black and 50 pink).

Chicago’s Post Child formed in 2012 and features members of The Brokedowns, High Priests, Wide Angles, Peekaboos and Elephant Gun. They recently finished work on their second full-length, called Wax Wings, which was recorded by Joe Gac. “Getting Closer” is the second single from the forthcoming album and it talks about the various relationships that we as humans have, whether it’s with ourselves or with things like technology or money. The band partnered with Chicago-based production company On The Real Film to create an impressive, effects-laden video for the song. Post Child is slated to play Township next month on Thursday, 9/29 with their pals Cubits from Iowa. Check out the video above and keep an eye out for Wax Wings to be released this fall or possibly winter.

On April 4th, Artistic Integrity Records will issue the debut release from Mean Sean. The band formed in early 2014 and consists of singer Vito Nusret, guitarist Nicolas Kubica, bassist James Henderson and drummer Vincent Miller. When asked to describe their sound, Nusret commented “I’d like to think we sound like Crimpshrine or Black Flag, but we probably just sound like a sloppy pop punk band that wears black t-shirts.”

The self-titled album will be available both digitally and on cassette. Recorded by Erik Rasmussen at Observatory Studios, the cassette contains a total of 13 songs and comes in lime green or light blue. They’re limited to 50 copies each, include a download code and can be purchased here. We’re streaming one of the tracks below, called “Hard of Feeling.” Speaking in regards to the song’s lyrics, Nusret said “It was inspired by a friend dealing with an autoimmune disease. I’m terrified of how our bodies can betray us without warning or pain while still doing severe and sometimes irreparable damage. It’s about juxtaposing that with a hardening of one’s feelings against potential emotional attacks, and examining how we can be considered too sensitive or too callous in both physical and mental ways.” While the content is decidedly serious, that’s not to suggest that the group doesn’t also have a comical side. Take for instance their name, which according to Nusret is derived from a friend’s dream about having a pet duck that smoked cigarettes and was named Mean Sean.

Next month, The Falcon is set to release its first album in nearly a decade. We met up with singer/guitarist Brendan Kelly at the GMan Tavern to discuss the record in detail. We talked about the band’s new guitarist, Dave Hause, and how his contributions helped to shape the album’s sound. Original members Dan Andriano, (Alkaline Trio) and Neil Hennessy, (The Lawrence Arms) are of course still onboard for the ride. We also spoke about how the record was written, what it was like recording with Dan Tinkler at Atlas Studios and how the album’s cover came to be. Additionally, we conversed about the record’s dark lyrical content and how it mirrors the style of the music. Longtime fans will be eager to find the band exploring new sounds, but at the same time retaining the characteristics that they’re best known for. By all accounts, Gather Up The Chaps finds The Falcon sounding very much revitalized and ready for take-off. Continue Reading…

In August of last year, Chicago’s Still Alive released their latest record, Choices. We recently spoke with singer/guitarist Dan Alfonsi and talked about what recording the album was like. We also discussed some of the record’s lyrics and its general theme. In addition, we conversed about how the band has continued to progress its unique sound, which integrates genres like metal, ska, hardcore and more. While Still Alive may defy easy classifications, they’re certainly a band deserving of increased attention. They’ve got a lot planned for the year ahead, and with any luck their persistent work ethic will result in an expanded audience. Continue Reading…

We caught up with Elway last fall after they played Riot Fest Chicago. We spoke with three of their four members, (singer/guitarist Tim Browne, guitarist Brian Van Proyen and drummer Garrett Carr). Bassist Joe Henderer unfortunately could not be present. We discussed the band’s latest album for Red Scare Industries, Better Whenever, including how it was written and the manner in which it was recorded. The record finds Elway experimenting with new songwriting techniques, while at the same time penning lyrics that represent some of the most personal they’ve written to date. We talked with Browne extensively about the reasons for this, as well as the band’s new outlook moving forward and more. Continue Reading…

This fall, Meat Wave released their second album and first for Side One Dummy, entitled Delusion Moon. We recently spoke with singer/guitarist Chris Sutter and talked about what writing and recording the record was like, as well as what some of its songs are about. We also discussed the album’s cover art, some of the band’s recent tours and their plans for next year. Don’t forget to check out Meat Wave when they play Ian’s Party on Sunday, January 3rd at Double Door. Continue Reading…

Chicago’s Turnspit formed in 2014 and features singer/guitarist Jason Douglass Swearingen, (Love & Squalor) singer/guitarist Gillian McGhee, bassist Jason Duarte and drummer Dan Tinkler, (Dog & Wolf). Despite only having played a handful of shows, the band is set to open for The Lawrence Arms at Double Door on Friday, December 11th. The night will also serve as a record release show for Turnspit’s debut EP, I Wonder If They’re Happy. It was recorded by their drummer at both Atlas Studios and in his home. Check out a song from the EP below called “Lamplighters” and for those attending the sold-out show on 12/11, plan on getting there early to catch this new and emerging act.

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Last month, Dillinger Four played the Double Door as part of a brief tour commemorating their 21st anniversary as a band. After the string of shows wrapped up, we talked with singer/bassist Patrick “Paddy” Costello about how everything went. We also discussed the band’s history, including some of the more noteworthy shows they’ve played in Chicago over the years. In addition, we conversed about D4’s most recent album, Civil War, and Costello touched on some of what they have planned for next year, which involves releasing new material and more touring.

Today, Local H released its eighth studio album, called Hey, Killer. It’s the band’s first full-length with new drummer Ryan Harding and varies considerably from their last two records in that it’s not a concept album. We spoke with frontman Scott Lucas and talked about how the record was written, what recording it was like and the Pledge Music campaign that helped fund the album. We also discussed Local H’s upcoming shows, their 25th anniversary which they’re celebrating this year and more. What’s certain is that Hey, Killer is raw, packed with hooks and infused with inspired riffs, leaving little doubt that rock fans everywhere will be extremely excited about this record. Also, be sure to check out Local H on April 17th at the House of Music in Arlington Heights and on April 18th at Tailgaters in Bolingbrook. They’ve also got an in-store performance at Reckless Records, (Broadway location) for Record Store Day on April 18th at 3:00 PM, and they’re playing the Metro April 19th as well. Continue Reading…

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Originally a printed zine from 1998 – 2004, our goal is to provide coverage of Chicago’s expansive independent music community, and to occasionally highlight some of our past work. National and international bands will be featured as well, but above all, we hope to create lasting content for music fans everywhere.